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All in the family for Hamilton brothers

CALGARY -- Christmas just got a lot more exciting in the Hamilton household.

Brothers Freddie and Dougie Hamilton were named to Canada's 22-man roster for the 2012 World Junior Championship on Wednesday.

"I don't think I've ever had one away from home (for the holiday)," Dougie said. "It'll be fun. They'll be down here for Christmas and we’ll be able to share the World Juniors as a family, so it'll be special. It's going to be fun."

Though the two are teammates with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League, getting to represent Canada on the international stage is on another level altogether Freddie said.

"It's the best thing that's ever happened to me in hockey," said Freddie, at 19 the older brother by 17 months. "I'm really excited. (Dougie) is, too. Just to go through it with him makes it even better."

Dougie's take understandably was similar.

"Obviously a dream come true for me," said Dougie, a defenseman. "Playing the last couple years in Niagara with him has been special. To represent your country at the top level together is pretty special for us."

Both said they'd be lying if the thought of being WJC teammates hadn't crossed their minds during the camp.

"Scenarios go through your head and certain things go through your head," Dougie said. "You think about the positives and try not to think about the negatives and think about not the end result but the process."

The Hamilton will be the first brothers to play for Canada since Randy and Mike Moller in 1982.

Freddie, a 2010 fifth-round pick of the San Jose Sharks, and Dougie, taken by the Boston Bruins with the ninth pick of the 2011 Entry Draft, were quick to incorporate family into their success.

"We're both very thankful for them," Freddie said. "They've helped us out and given us support, mostly said to come out here and give it our best and play the way we can and let things take care of themselves, not really worry about what all is going on and just take care of your own game."